The Basics
Terminology
Action - the distance between the bottom of the strings and the fretboard
Fret - metal wires that are raised above the fretboard. They divide the fretboard into fixed segments of musical intervals
Scale Length - the distance between the nut and the bridge. The scale lenght affects the tension of the strings and, consequently, the feel and sound of the guitar. Typically, the scale length of a guitar falls within the range of 24 to 25.5 inches (about 61 to 65 centimeters). Shorter scale lengths generally result in lower string tension, while longer scale lengths tend to produce higher tension.
Pickups - Electronic devices that detect the vibrations of the strings and convert them into an electrical signal. The signal is then sent to an amplifier, which amplifies the sound of the guitar. Most guitars have one to three pickups, which can be either single-coil or humbucking.
Intonation - the accuracy of the pitches produced by the guitar along the fretboard. Proper intonation involves finding the right balance between the open string and the fretted note at various positions on the neck. Intonation is typically adjusted by altering the length of the strings using the guitar's bridge saddles. This adjustment ensures that each fretted note produces the correct pitch relative to the open string.
Radius - the curvature of the fretboard or fingerboard. It describes how flat or curved the surface of the fretboard is along its width. The radius is measured by the radius of a circle that matches the curve of the fretboard. A smaller radius indicates a more pronounced curve, meaning the fretboard is more rounded. Conversely, a larger radius indicates a flatter fretboard surface. The radius of a guitar's fretboard affects how comfortable it feels to play. Generally, guitars with a smaller radius are considered to have a more curved fretboard while guitars with larger radii tend to have flatter fretboards.Common fretboard radius values for electric guitars typically range from 7.25 inches (18.4 cm) to 16 inches (40.6 cm), with variations in between.
Anatomy of an Electric Guitar
Anatomy of an Acoustic Guitar
Anatomy of a Bass
How to Find Notes on a Guitar & Bass?
Follow along with Jake as he teaches the basics on how to find notes on your guitar or bass!
Headstocks
Logos
Body Shapes
Neck Shapes
Thin "C" - 1st Fret- .787" (20MM), 12th Fret- .866" (22MM)
Vintage "C" - 1st Fret- .787" (20MM), 12th Fret- .866" (22MM)
Ultra Thin "C" - 1st Fret- .748" (19MM), 12th Fret- .787" (20MM)
Thick "C" - 1st Fret- .866" (22MM), 12th Fret- .925" (23.5MM)
Ultra Thin "U" - 1st Fret- .748" (19MM), 12th Fret- .787" (20MM)
Zakk "C" - 1st Fret- .79" (20.3MM), 12th Fret- .93" (23.8MM)